We are commonly told from a young age that brushing our teeth is the key to a healthy smile. However, even with the best oral hygiene routine, tooth decay (dental caries) can still occur. While decay is more common than you think, the way it is treated and diagnosed by your dentist is what matters the most.
When a dentist fails to spot, monitor, or treat decay correctly, it can lead to unnecessary pain, costly dental treatment, and even tooth loss. In some cases, this may amount to dental negligence, and you may be eligible for compensation.
What is Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay occurs when bacteria on your teeth, create a sticky film known as plaque, caused by the breakdown sugars from food and drink. This process produces acid that attacks your tooth enamel often resulting in cavities, tooth infections and more serious oral health problems if left untreated by your dentist.
Understanding the early signs of tooth decay is essential to prevent long-term damage and avoid complex dental procedures.
Some common early warnings signs include:
- Visible staining or discolouration on a tooth.
- Toothache or discomfort without any apparent cause.
- Sensitivity to certain foods or drinks.
- Broken or damaged teeth
- Bad breath
The Role of Your Dentist: Expectations vs. Reality
Your dentist has a duty of care to identify and treat the signs of decay during your routine check-ups. To identify tooth decay your dentist may carry out:
- Visual Inspections: Checking for soft spots or discoloration.
- X-rays (Radiographs): Taking regular images to spot hidden decay between teeth or under existing fillings.
- Treatment: Recommending fillings, crowns, or preventative practices.
If you have attended regular check-ups and are suddenly told you need an extraction or root canal treatment, it may be because your dentist missed the early warning signs in previous appointments.
When Does Tooth Decay Become Negligent?
Not every case of tooth decay is a result of dentist negligence. However, you may have grounds for a dental negligence claim if:
- Your dentist missed clear signs of decay on an X-ray or during a physical exam.
- A filling was poorly fitted, leaving a gap where new decay could form (secondary caries), or a filling was placed with decay still there.
- Your dentist noted decay but waited too long to treat it, allowing it to worsen and require more serious treatment
- You were told a tooth is healthy when there was decay.
How The Dental Law Partnership Can Help
If you believe you have experienced negligent treatment of tooth decay, you don’t have to deal with the consequences on your own.
At The Dental Law Partnership, we have specialised in dental negligence claims for over 25 years and understand both the clinical and legal aspects of tooth decay misdiagnosis and poor dental treatment.
With access to expert practicing dentists and in-house clinical advice, we can assess whether you may be entitled to make a dental compensation claim and guide you through the process with confidence.